Rabies Public Awareness statement 08-08-2012

August 8, 2012.

PRESS RELEASE

ParkerCounty Sheriff Larry Fowler has issued a public awareness statement involving a rabid deer.

Sheriff Fowler said the deer was found in the countyAug. 7, 2012.

Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers were notified by the Texas State Health Department that the sick deer discovered at Sugar Tree Golf Course, Aug. 2, 2012, has tested positive for rabies.

The young deer was found by a citizen on the golf course and displayed clinical symptoms of rabies. The male buck was humanely euthanized and tested by a state laboratory.

Tuesday, officials verified the positive test results.

The deer was described as a spike deer with damage to his right antler.  The deer was “friendly” and would allow residents and guests of the golf course to pet and hand feed him.

Anyone having possible contact with the deer near Sugar Tree Golf Course and housing subdivision from July 14, through Aug. 2, 2012, is urged to contact Nick Ferguson with the Abilene Department of Health at (325) 795-5857, or Parker County Sheriff’s Animal Control Supervisor Karen Kessler at (817) 594-8845.